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Explore every episode of the podcast Reading Rulebooks

Dive into the complete episode list for Reading Rulebooks. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Modern Art19 Apr 202500:21:06

This week, we are going to cover the rules for Modern Art. Modern Art is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and illustrated by Carole Carrion, Manuel Carvalho, Chen Cheng-po, Mike Doyle (I), et al. It is published by CMON Games and is part of the Knizia Auction Trilogy (Modern Art, Medici, Ra).

About Modern Art

Vie for the Modern Art of the Trendiest Artist through various types of auctions to make money buying and selling the art.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction, Components, & Goal of the Game

01:39 Game Setup

02:33 Gameplay

03:24 Running Auctions

05:12 The Five Types of Auctions

10:19 Ending the Auction Round

11:08 Selling to the Bank

13:13 The Following Auction Rounds

16:32 Winning the Game

18:23 Thoughts

High Society14 Feb 202500:13:27

This week we are going to cover the rules for High Society. High Society is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Mateusz Bielski, Medusa Dollmaker, Wesly Gibs, Dahee Lee, et. al.. Ravensburger publishes the game.

About High Society

Enhance your standing and status in high society by flaunting your wealth with ostentatious expenditure, all while avoiding scandal and shame.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Components

01:40 Setup

01:57 How to Play

05:00 Game End

07:02 Thoughts

Spectaculum23 Feb 202400:18:10

This week we are going to cover the rules for Spectaculum. Spectaculum is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Marc Margielsky. The game is published by Pegasus Spiele.

About Spectaculum

Spectaculum is a game of managing your wealth while managing traveling shows as they journey throughout the color world of fortune-tellers and snake dancers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Components

02:49 Object of the Game

03:25 Setup

04:46 Playing the Game

12:34 End of the Game (and Variant)   

14:08 Thoughts

Babylonia 09 Feb 202400:22:07

This week we are going to cover the rules for Babylonia. Babylonia is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and illustrated by Jonas Hassibi and David Prieto. The game is published by Ludonova.

About Babylonia

Compete for land and cities in Babylonia around and between the river while commanding mighty ziggurats.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Components

01:26 Setup

03:57 Summary and Objective

04:31 Playing

11:53 End of the Game

12:22 Variant

12:40 Zigguart Cards

14:27 Thoughts

Samurai19 Jan 202400:25:32

This week we are going to cover the rules for Samurai. Samurai is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel. The game is published by Fantasy Flight Games.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:35 Game Components

03:02 Game Overview

03:38 Setup

07:15 Playing the Game

18:46 MCG Thoughts

Ghosts of Christmas22 Dec 202300:09:23

This week we are going to cover the rules for Ghosts of Christmas. Ghosts of Christmas is a game designed by Taiki Shinzawa and is illustrated by Misaho Sugawara and Maria Surducan. This game is published by BoardGameTables.com.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Components

00:58 Game Overview

01:34 Setup

02:19 Bidding

03:07 Playing a Round

03:59 Scoring Tricks

05:07 Scoring Hands

06:08 Variants

07:04 MCG Thoughts

Winter Kingdoms09 Dec 202300:20:25

This week we are going to cover the rules for Winter Kingdoms. Winter Kingdoms is a game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino and is illustrated by Markus Erdt and Dennis Lohausen. The game is published by Queen Games.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Object of the Game

02:00 Setup

05:08 Sequence of Play

06:25 A Turn in Detail

11:21 Building Rules

12:55 Twist Card

13:28 End of the Game and Final Scoring

14:47 Card Overviews

17:38 MCG Thoughts

Wabash Cannonball17 Nov 202300:52:27

This week we are going to cover the rules for Wabash Cannonball (also known as Chicago Express). Wabash Cannonball is a game designed by John Bohrer and is illustrated by Michael Menzel & Todd Sanders. The game is published by Winsome Games, Queen Games, & Rio Grande.

Expansions include Chicago Express: Narrow Guage & Erie Railroad Company (2009), and Chicago Express: Nickle Plate Road Expansion (2011). Both expansions are for Chicago Express and not for Wabash Cannonball which is currently being released.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Components

01:16 Setting Up

03:10 Initial Auction

05:00 Ending / Winning the Game

05:28 Sequence of Play

06:59 Expansion

11:02 Development

13:33 Capitalization

14:29 Chicago Dividends

14:52 Wabash Opens

15:43 General Dividends

16:33 Thoughts feat. Joe (from Dads on a Map)

Empyreal: Spells & Steam03 Nov 202301:04:19
This week we are going to cover the rules for Empyreal: Spells & Steam. Empyreal: Spells & Steam is a game designed by Trey Chambers and is illustrated by Laura La Vito and Eunice Abigael Tiu. The game is published by Level 99 Games. Expansions include empyreal: As Above, so Below (2020), and Empyreal: Far Corners (2022).Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:36 Components03:10 Inside Your Company Folio05:28 Setting Up the Game10:04 Gameplay16:38 End of the Line21:04 Game Effects26:12 Game End29:17 Frequently Asked Questions30:26 Team Variant32:11 References and Goods Description34:46 Company Profiles40:08 As Above, So Below41:23 Components (As Above, So Below)41:53 7-8 Player Setup (As Above, So Below)43:25 Metros (As Above, So Below)47:59 Solo Mode (As Above, So Below)54:19 Far Corners58:42 MCG Thoughts
Mansions of Madness20 Oct 202300:47:52
This week we are going to cover the rules for Mansions of Madness Second Edition. Mansions of Madness is a game designed by Nikki Valens and is illustrated by Cristi Balanescu, Yoann Boissonnet, Anders Finer, Tony Foti, et. al. The game is published by Fantasy Flight Games.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:20 The House on the Hill05:04 Game Overview & Components07:13 Setup10:45 Investigator Phase21:16 Mythos Phase23:21 Winning the Game25:40 Additional Rules46:01 MCG Thoughts
Mysterium06 Oct 202300:45:55
This week we are going to cover the rules for Mysterium. Mysterium is a game designed by Oleksandr Nevskiy and Oleg Sidorenko and is illustrated by Igor Burlakov, Xavier Collette, Oleksandr Nevskiy, and Oleg Sidorenko. The game is published by Libellud.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:35 Player Roles05:18 Game Components and Setup11:13 Gameplay28:53 End of the Game29:21 Two-and Three-Player Games30:59 MCG Thoughts (feat. Joey)
Cthulhu: Death May Die 08 Sep 202300:51:51
This week we are going to cover the rules for Cthulhu: Death May Die. Cthulhu: Death May Die is a game designed by Rob Daviau and Eric Lang and is illustrated by Nicolas Fructus, Karl Kopinski, Thierry Masson, Edgar Skomoroski, etc. The game is published by CMON games.Expansions include Season 2 Expansion (2019), Yog-Sothoth (2019), Unspeakable Box (2019), Scarlett Hayes (2019), Black Goat of the Woods (2019), R’lyeh Rising (2019), CMON Comics: Vol. 1 Promos (2021), R’lyehian Seizures Promo (2022), Iron Maiden Pack #1 (2023), Iron Maiden Pack #2 (2023), Iron Maiden Pack #3 (2023), Season 4 Expansion (2023), Fear of the Unknown: Ithaqua the Win-Walker (2023), Fear of the Unknown: Animal Allies (2023), Fear of the Unknown: Unknowable Box (2023), CMON Comics: Vol. 2 Promos (2023).It looks like a lot but there are 16 expansions (which is less than some of the other ones I have written out in the past).Check out the Character Guide here: https://makecraftgame.com/2022/10/21/dmd-character-guide/Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Components01:59 Overview11:06 Setup13:18 Dice and Checks17:11 Turn Sequence33:11 Death of an Investigator34:04 Disrupting the Ritual34:30 Fighting the Elder One36:47 Ending the Game37:40 Rules Summary40:39 MCG Thoughts
Stephenson's Rocket10 Jan 202500:35:14

This week we are going to cover the rules for Stephenson’s Rocket. Stephenson’s Rocket is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Doris Matthäus, Ian O'Toole, TANSAN Inc.. The game is published by Grail Games.

About Stephenson’s Rocket

In Stephenson’s rocket, invest in the railways of England which are expanding and merging to come out the richest investor.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:17 Game Contents & Setup

04:08 Overview

05:07 Playing the Game

13:55 Scoring Prestige During the Game

23:15 Game End & End Game Scoring

26:32 Expansions

28:40 Thoughts

Caylus08 Sep 202300:35:36
This week we are going to cover the rules for Caylus. Caylus is a game designed by William Attia and is illustrated by Cyril Demaegd, Arnaud Demargd, and Mike Doyle (I). The game is published by Ystari Games.Expansions include Caylus Expansion: The Jeweler (2005). I do not know anything about the expansion.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction00:25 Contents01:23 Goal of the Game01:59 Set Up03:31 Game Principles06:19 Conventions06:58 Progression of the Game16:57 Scoring18:50 Royal Favors 23:53 End of the Game24:28 Caylus for Two Players25:05 Simplified Favor (Easier Variant) & Hints29:09 MCG Wrap Up
Broom Service14 Jul 202300:28:57
This week we are going to cover the rules for Broom Service. Broom Service is a game designed by Andreas Pelikan, and Alexander Pfister and is illustrated by Vincent Dutrait. The game is published by alea, Ravensburger. Expansions include Broom Service: The 1st Expansion (2106), Brettspeil Adventskalender 2016 (2016), and Broom Service: Christmastime (2016). I do not know anything about the expansions.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction / Game Summary00:56 Game Contents01:37 Game Set-Up (Basic Game)03:50 Game Play10:56 Game End11:46 The Roles16:08 The Events17:53 Game Variations25:18 MCG Thoughts
Ra05 Jul 202300:23:11
This week we are going to cover the rules for RA. RA is a game designed by Reiner Knitzia and is illustrated by Ian O’Toole. The deluxe edition game is published by 25th Century games.There are no expansions for RA.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction / Overview01:28 Game Components02:51 Set-Up05:19 Playing the Game06:08 Actions08:08 Auctions11:18 Scoring13:33 Beginning a New Epoch14:43 Winning the Game14:54 Auction Tiles Effects & Scoring18:47 MCG Thoughts
Bites02 Jun 202300:12:05
This week we are going to cover the rules for Bites and the expansion Bites: New Recipe. Bites is a game designed by Brigitte Ditt & Wolfgang Ditt and is illustrated by Filip Gavril & Anca Gavril. The game is published by BoardgameTables.com Chapters: 00:00 MCG Intro01:42 Set-Up03:25 Gameplay04:54 Cards05:47 Scoring06:18 Bites: New Recipes (Expansion)07:20 MCG Thoughts
Ahoy (Feat. Luke Bridwell)12 May 202301:09:15
This week we are going to cover the rules for Ahoy. Ahoy is a game designed by Greg Loring-Albright and is illustrated by Kyle Ferrin. The game is published by Leder Games.Chapters:Overview / Components – 00:00Game Setup – 02:45Faction Setup – 05:15Playing the Game – 07:22Ending the Round – 09:22Taking Actions – 11:56Terrain – 19:33Damage – 21:57Crew – 23:07The Bluefin Squadron – 24:37The Mollusk Union – 28:29The Smugglers – 33:21The Fine Print – 38:03Appendix A: Crew – 39:05Appendix B: Plans – 44:08MCG Thoughts (feat. Luke Bridwell) – 45:57
Calico28 Apr 202300:19:26
This week we are going to cover the rules for Calico. Calico is a game designed by Kevin Russ and illustrated by Beth Sobel. The game is published by Flatout Games.Chapters:00:00 Introduction + Components01:34 Beginner Setup03:19 Standard Setup05:11 Gameplay Overview05:31 Player Turn06:20 Design Goal Tiles09:07 Cat Scoring Tiles + Cat Tokens11:01 Button Scoring Tile + Button Tokens12:00 Game End + Final Scoring13:13 Variants + Solo Mode14:37 Scoring Tiles17:22 MCG Wrap-Up
Vast: The Crystal Caverns28 Oct 202201:31:57

This week we are going to cover the rules for Vast: The Crystal Caverns. Vast: The Crystal Caverns is a game designed by Patrick Leder and Davide Somerville and is illustrated by Kyle Ferrin. The game is published by Leder Games. Expansions include Vast: The Crystal Caverns – Bonus Cards (2017) and Vast: Fearsome Foes (2018).

Chapters:

00:00 Getting Started

04:03 Components

05:47 General Rules

14:50 Glossary

16:31 The Knight

30:27 The Goblins

41:53 The Dragon

49:32 The Cave

56:49 The Thief

1:07:55 Terrain Variant

1:13:58 Difficulty Variant

1:19:33 Sample Turns

1:26:17 Easily Forgotten Rules

1:29:37 MCG Thoughts

Disney Villainous14 Oct 202200:19:42

This week we are going to cover the rules for Disney Villainous. Disney Villainous is a game designed by Prospero Hall. The game is published by Ravensburger and Wonder Forge. There are no expansions for this game, but it does integrate with the following games:

· Villainous: Bigger and Badder (2022) – includes Syndrome, Lotso, and Madam Mim

· Villainous: Despicable Plots (2021) – includes Lady Tremaine, the Horned King, and Gaston

· Villainous: Perfectly Wretched (2020) – includes Cruella de Vil, Mother Gothel, and Pete

· Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared (2019) – includes Scar, Yzma, and Ratigan

· Villainous: Wicked to the Core (2019) – includes the Evil Queen, Hades, and Dr. Facilier

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Components

01:15 Setup

02:21 Game Overview

04:15 On Your Turn

05:33 Types of Actions

09:13 Types of Cards

13:51 Reference

15:56 Frequently Asked Questions

18:21 MCG Thoughts

Fort30 Sep 202200:31:54

This week we are going to cover the rules for Fort. Fort is a game designed by Grant Rodiek and is illustrated by Kyle Ferrin. The game is published by Leader Games. Expansions include Fort: Cats & Dogs Expansion (2021) by Nick Brachmann and Grant Rodiek.

Chapters:

00:00 MCG Introduction & Overview

01:02 Basic Setup and Advanced Setup

03:21 Card Anatomy

04:47 Player Board Anatomy

06:20 How to Play

12:26 Fort Level

13:25 End of Game

15:00 Actions

18:04 Other Action Symbols

21:05 Glossary Made-Up Rules

22:36 Glossary Perks

24:16 Cats and Dogs Expansion

29:40 MCG Thoughts

Pandemic 16 Sep 202200:23:34

Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.

This week we are going to cover the rules for Pandemic. Pandemic is a game designed by Matt Leacock and is illustrated by Josh Cappel, Christian Hanisch, Regis Moulun, Chris Quilliams, and Tom Theil. The game is published by Z-Man Games.

Expansions include Pandemic: On the Brin (2009), Pandemic: In the Lab (2013), and Pandemic: State of Emergency (2015).

Chapters:

00:00 MCG Introduction

01:19 Overview

02:07 Setup

04:56 Play

05:30 Actions

08:50 Play Example

10:38 Draw Cards

13:13 Infections

16:15 Turn End

16:23 Event Cards

17:11 Player Cards

17:46 Game End

18:25 Roles

21:38 MCG Thoughts

Tigris & Euphrates11 Oct 202400:53:55

This week we are going to cover the rules for Tigris & Euphrates. Tigris & Euphrates is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Bascu, Christine Conrad, Doris Matthäus, Tom Thiel, et.al.. The game is published by Hans im Glück.

Tigris & Euphrates is a part of the Knizia Tile-Laying Trilogy (Samurai, Through the Desert, Tigris & Euphrates).

About Tigris & Euphrates

Expand your empire with the help of your four leaders along the Tigris & Euphrates River and take establish temples to build the most prosperous civilization.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:26 Game Components

04:46 Setup

06:49 Object of the Game

09:04 Turn Structure

35:49 Game End and Winner

36:42 Advanced Game Rules

41:55 MCG Thoughts

Dominion28 Aug 202200:33:09

This week we are going to cover the rules for Dominion. Dominion is a game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino and is illustrated by Matthias Catrein, Julien Delval, Tomasz Jedruszek, Ryan Laukat, et. al. The game is published by Rio Grande Games. Dominion is a deck building game for 2 to 4 players.

Expansions include Dominion: Seaside (2009), Dominion: Prosperity (2010), Dominion: Alchemy (2010), Dominion: Hinterlands (2011), Dominion: Cornucopia (2011), Dominion: Dark Ages (2012), Dominion: Guilds (2013), Dominion: Adventures (2015), Dominion: Intrigue (2016), Dominion: Empires (2016), Dominion: Nocturne (2017), Dominion: Menagerie (2020), Dominion: Allies (2022).

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:46 Contents

03:35 Preparation

05:35 Overview

06:30 Action Phase

08:02 Buy Phase

10:09 Clean-Up Phase

10:44 Game End

11:22 Card Types

13:06 Terminology

17:24 Shuffling

18:04 Additional Rules / 5-6 Player Rules

20:14 Sample Turn

22:29 Random Card Notes

29:21 Recommended Sets of 10

30:50 MCG Thoughts

Scythe29 Jul 202201:11:24

This week we are going to cover the rules for Scythe. Scythe is a game designed by Jamey Stegmaier and is illustrated by Jakub Rozalski. The game is published by Stonemaier Games. Expansions include Scythe: Encounters (2018), Scythe: Rise of Fenris (2018), Scythe: The Wind Gambit (2017), and Scythe: Invaders from Afar (2016).

Chapters:

00:00 MCG Introduction

03:55 Important Concepts

06:19 Types of Units

07:45 Setup

13:24 Gameplay

37:37 Faction Abilities

40:18 Combat

47:04 Encounters

50:07 The Factory

53:05 Objectives

54:27 Alliances and Bribes

55:08 Placing Stars

56:20 Game End and Scoring

1:01:05 Characters

1:04:15 Highlighted Rules

1:09:47 MCG Thoughts

Age of Steam15 Jul 202200:39:29

Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.

This week we are going to cover the rules for Age of Steam. Age of Steam is a game designed by Martin Wallace and is illustrated by Ian O’Toole, Sean Brown, Peter Dennis, and Paul Niemeyer. The game is published by Warfrog Games. There are over 125 Expansions. All expansions are maps which can be integrated into the Base game.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Setting Up the Game

03:49 End / Winning the Game

04:10 Sequence of Play

21:17 Victory Point Computation

27:56 Additional Map Rules

37:23 MCG Thoughts

Terraforming Mars02 Jul 202200:56:56

This week we are going to cover the rules for Terraforming Mars. Terraforming Mars is a game designed by Jacob Fryxelius and is illustrated by Isaac Fryxelius. The game is published by FryxGames. Expansions include Terraforming Mars: Turmoil (2019), Terraforming Mars: Colonies (2018), Terraforming Mars: Prelude (2018), Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium (2017), and Terraforming Mars: Venus Next (2017).

Chapters:

00:00 MCG Introduction

02:00 Game Overview | Global Parameters

06:22 Game Board

09:03 Tiles

11:29 Markers

12:11 Player Boards

14:00 Cards

16:10 Setup

20:41 Generations

25:31 Actions

37:54 Game End

41:03 Game Variants

44:45 About the Author

45:23 Symbols

55:05 MCG Thoughts

Bullet (heart) 17 Jun 202200:49:55

This week we are going to cover the rules for Bullet ♡. Bullet ♡ is a game designed by Joshua Van Laningham and is illustrated by Collateral Damage Studios, Sebastian Koziner, Usanekorin, and Davy Wagnarok. The game is published by Level 99 Games.

Chapters:

00:00 MCG Intro | Game Overview

03:14 Heroines

05:14 Key Concepts (Bullets | Patterns | Powerups | Intensity | Center and Current Bags)

06:56 Setup

08:30 Gameplay | Option Phase

16:15 Gameplay | End Phase

17:20 Gameplay | Cleanup Phase

17:53 Game End

19:16 Additional Modes

21:41 Additional Mode | Boss Battle

28:41 Frequently Asked Questions

30:07 Heroine Lore

46:20 MCG Thoughts

Food Chain Magnate03 Jun 202200:49:51

This week we are going to cover the rules for Food Chain Magnate. Food Chain Magnate is a game designed by Joroen Doumen and Joris Wiersinga. It is illustrated by Iris de Haan and Ynze Moedt. The game is published by Splotter Spellen. Expansions include Food Chain Magnate: The Ketchup Mechanism & Other Ideas (2019).

Chapters:

00:00 MCG Intro & Components

02:39 Introducing the Game

05:07 Setting Up

08:42 Phase by Phase

08:42 Phase 1: Restructuring

11:01 Phase 2: Order of Business

12:01 Phase 3: Working 9:00-5:00

24:18 Phase 4: Dinnertime

31:18 Phase 5: Payday

33:01 Phase 6: Marketing Campaigns

35:50 Phase 7: Cleanup

36:39 Milestones

45:04 Introductory Game

45:57 Strategy Guide

47:36 MCG Thoughts

Clank! A Deck-Building Adventure20 May 202200:28:00

This week we are going to cover the rules for Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure. Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure is a game designed by Paul Dennen and is illustrated by Rayph Beisner, Raul Ramos, and Nate Storm. The game is published by Renegade Game Studios.

Expansions include Clank!: The Mummy’s Curse (2018), Clank!: Expeditions: Gold and Silk (2018), Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated – Upper Management Pack (2019), Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated – The “C” Team Pack (2019), Clank! Expeditions: Temp of the Ape Lords (2019),!: Adventuring Part (2020).

Special Promo Cards include Clank!: Friendly Watcher (2017), Clank!: Enchanted Dice (2017), Clank!: Brawn vs Book (2017), Brettspiel Adventskalender 2017, Clank!: Wand of Time (2018), Clank!: The Mummy’s Curse – Mummy Hunters (2018), Clank!: Expedition Leader (2018), Level Up Loot: One (2019), Clank!: Trailblazer (2019), Clank!: Opal Apestone (2019), Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated – Shadow Chancellor (2019), Clank!: Door to Before (2020), Clank! Adventuring Party: Lightning Reflexes Promo Card (2020), Clank!: Tower of Babble (2022).

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction / Components

01:33 Setup

04:42 So, you want to be a Thief?

05:49 Step 1: The Target

06:50 Step 2: The Plan

13:11 Step 3: The Mark

15:12 Step 4: The Getaway

16:59 Step 5: The End of the Line

19:00 Advanced Maneuvers

22:45 Field Reference Guide

24:46 MCG Thoughts

Spirit Island 08 May 202201:19:48

This week we are going to cover the rules for Spirit Island. Spirit Island is a game designed by R. Eric Ruess and is illustrated by Jason Behnke, Loïc Berger, Loïc Billiau, Kat G Birmelin. The game is published by Better than Game.

Expansions include Spirit Island: Branch & Claw (2017), Spirit Island Promo Pack 1 (2017), Spirit Island: Expansion Playmat (2017), Spirit Island: Champions of the Dahan Token Pack (2017),Spirit Island Promo Pack 2 (2020), Spirit Island: Jagged Earth (2020).

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Game Overview

02:09 First Time Players

03:15 Components

04:01 Game Setup

06:53 Sequence of Play

17:15 Invader Action Examples

19:40 Game Concepts

43:24 Tips and Tricks

48:18 Gameplay Options

54:27 Lore

1:03:33 Design Notes

1:05:31 Glossary/Index

1:15:22 MCG Thoughts

Obsession 22 Apr 202201:10:23

This week we are going to cover the rules for Obsession. Obsession is a game by Dan Hallagan, with the art done by Dan Hallagan and published by Kayenta Games. Expansions include The Wessex Expansion, Promotion Cards, Upstairs/Downstairs, Promotional tiles, and the Useful box.

This is one of my longer episodes but that is not because the game is difficult. The rulebook is extremely thorough in exploring every detail and potential scenario.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:43 Components

03:58 Player Area Set Up

08:11 Central Play Area Set Up

13:26 Goal of the Game

15:41 Flow of the Game

21:15 Builders Market Reserve & Round Track

23:32 Playing the Game

50:21 Special Actions

52:26 Passing

53:28 Courtship

58:21 End Game Scoring

1:01:43 Thematic Background of Favors

1:06:39 FAQ Index

1:07:16 MCG Thoughts

Bargain Quest08 Apr 202200:19:57

This week we are going to cover the rules for Bargain Quest. Bargain Quest is a game designed by Jonathan Ying and is illustrated by Victoria Ying. The game is published by Renegade Game Studios. Expansions include Bargain Quest: Chaotic Goods (2017), Bargain Quest: The Black-Market Expansion (2019), Bargain Quest: Table Titans (2019), Bargain Quest: Solo Mode (2019), Bargain Quest: Golem Promo Hero (2019), Bargain Quest: Acquisitions Incorporated (2019), Bargain Quest: 8-Bit Theater (2019), Bargain Quest: Sunk Costs (2020).

Chapters:

00:00 Overview

00:56 Card Anatomy

02:20 Objective and Setup

04:35 Gameplay: Step 1 – Supply

05:33 Gameplay: Step 2 – Display

06:25 Gameplay: Step 3 – Shopping

08:53 Gameplay: Step 4 – Adventure

11:20 Gameplay: Step 5 – Upgrade

13:07 Gameplay: Step 6 – Storage

13:43 Running out of cards

13:58 Ending the Game

14:14 Scoring

14:39 Player Variants (5-6 players, 2 players)

15:53 Reliable Heroes Variant

16:27 Board Game Credits

16:47 Round Overview

17:58 MCG Take

The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples20 Sep 202400:33:19

This week we are going to cover the rules for The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple. The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel. The game is published by Ravensburger.

The Quest for El Dorado can intergrate with The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple: The Golden Temples

About The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple

Build your deck and lead your expedition to gain the riches of El Dorado and get out of the golden temple before it collapses.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Game Setup

04:14 How the Game Works

05:03 Turn Structure

05:46 Phase 1: Player Cards

11:39 Phase 2: Discard Cards

12:06 Phase 3: Play Cards

16:28 End of the Game

17:17 Rules for 2 Players

18:16 Example of a Complete Turn

19:58 Expanding the World of El Dorado

23:00 Glossary

25:32 MCG Thoughts

Wingspan18 Mar 202200:22:43

Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.

This week we are going to cover the rules for Wingspan. Wingspan is a game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and is illustrated by Natalia Rajas, Maria Martinez Jaramillo, and Beth Sabel. The game is published by Stonemaier Games. Expansions include The European Expansion and the Oceania Expansion.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Setup

03:28 Swift-Start Guides

04:30 Overview

07:02 The Four Actions: Option 1. Play a Bird from Your Hand

09:39 The Four Actions: Option 2. Gain Food and Activate Forest Bird Powers

12:09 The Four Actions: Option 3. Lag Eggs and Activate Grassland Bird Powers

14:38 The Four Actions: Option 4. Draw Cards and Activate Wetland Bird Powers

16:21 Bird Powers

18:11 End of the Round

20:51 Bonus Cards

21:14 Final Thoughts

Vast - The Mysterious Manor04 Mar 202200:53:37

Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.

This week we are going to cover the rules for Vast: Mysterious Manor. The Vast series is published by Leder games with designer Patrick Leder and artist Kyle Ferrin. Other games in this series is Vast: Crystal Caverns, Vast: The Haunted Hallways (Expansion), and Vast: The Crystal Caverns (Expansion).

(00:18) Golden Rules

(06:29) SetUp

(07:30) How to Play

(08:00) The Map

(09:37) Attacking Enemies

(10:25) A Few More Concepts

(11:30) The Paladin

(15:38) The Paladin Example Turn 1

(17:35) The Skeletons

(21:30) The Skeletons Example Turn 1

(22:46) The Spider

(27:27) The Spider Example Turn 1

(28:58) The Manor

(32:32) The Manor Example Turn 1

(34:41) The Warlock

(37:34) The Warlock Example Turns

(39:38) The Paladin Example Turn 2

(41:35) The Skeletons Example Turn 2

(43:10) The Spider example Turn 2

(43:55) The Manor Example Turn 2

(44:44) Difficulty Variants

(46:48) Player Counts and Role Mixes

(49:33) Key Action Reference

The Quest for El Dorado05 Jul 202400:38:48

This week we are going to cover the rules for The Quest for El Dorado. The Quest for El Dorado is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Vincent Dutrait, Franz Vohwinkel. The game is published by Ravensburger.

The Quest for El Dorado has the expansion of Heroes and Hexes and can integrate with The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples

About The Quest for El Dorado

Build your deck and lead your expedition to riches as you attempt to be the first to arrive on the quest for El Dorado.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Setting Up the Game

03:51 How the Game Works

04:27 Turn Structure

05:02 Phase One: Play Cards

10:33 Phase Two: Discard Played Cards

11:02 Phase Three: Draw Cards

11:26 Blockades

12:09 End of the Game

12:52 Rules for 2 Players / Full Turn Example

16:02 Caves Variant

19:28 Glossary

21:23 Heroes and Hexes Expansion

22:01Heroes and Hexes Expansion: Game SetUp

24:07 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: The New Game Elements

27:00 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: Curses

29:32 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: New Cave Tokens / Action Cards

33:04 MCG Thoughts

Battle Line05 Jul 202400:16:06

This week we are going to cover the rules for Battle Line. Battle Line is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Roland MacDonald, Rodger B. MacGowan, and Mark Simonitch. The game is published by GMT Games.

About Battle Line

Create Strong formations in this 2-player lane battle game to counter the enemy along the ever-changing Battle Line

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Preparation (Setup) & Objective

02:03 Play

03:31 Formations

04:50 Flags

06:42 Tactic Cards

10:11 Game End

10:38 Advanced Rule

11:06 Thoughts

Lost Cities08 Jun 202400:14:09

This week we are going to cover the rules for Lost Cities. Lost Cities is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Vincent Dutrait, Michaela Kienle, Anke Pohl, Thilo Rick, et. al.. The game is published by KOSMOS.

About Lost Cities

Gain points by mounting archeological expeditions to find lost cities and (hopefully) find more than the cost of the journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Game Components

01:32 Preparation (Setup)

02:11 Object of the Game

02:42 Sequence of Play

04:46 End of the Game and Scoring

08:58 Thoughts

My Island24 May 202400:26:54

About My Island

My Island is a legacy game where you develop a unique island and discover its secrets that could permanently change the island.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:41 Game Materials

02:47 Game Setup

04:29 General Rules of the Game

05:18 The Placement Rules

06:55 End of an Episode

11:10 The Sealed Envelopes

12:52 The First Chapter

13:37 The Eternal Game

14:20 Game Setup

16:00 Course of Play

16:28 The Placement Rules

18:03 Farm / Village / Fortification

19:36 Road from Statue to Sea

20:36 End of the Eternal Game

22:38 Thoughts

My City08 Mar 202400:27:23

About My City

My City is a legacy game about developing a city through the different episodes of the game. My City has both a legacy and non-legacy format of play.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Game Materials

02:46 Game Setup

04:30 General Rules of the Game

05:31 The Construction Rules

08:07 End of an Episode

11:48 The Sealed Envelopes

13:35 The First Chapter

14:20 The Eternal Game

15:05 Game Setup

16:40 Course of Play

17:11 The Construction Rules

21:07 End of Episode

22:07 Thoughts

Pollen04 Jul 202500:08:38

This week, we will cover the rules for Pollen. Pollen is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Beth Sobel. The game is published by Allplay.

About Pollen

Create a lush garden full of beautiful flowers whose pollen will attract pollinators to make the best garden.

Chapters:

00:00 Components & Preparation

02:21 Gameplay

04:30 Endgame & Scoring

06:15 Thoughts

Classic Art07 Jun 202500:30:57

This week we are going to cover the rules for Classic Art. Classic Art is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Chris McGloughlin. The game is published by CMON Games.

About Classic Art

Predict how many pieces of classic art will be presented in the exhibition. The risker the bet the higher the reward.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction, Overview, & Components

01:56 Setup

03:33 Gameplay

13:54 Game End

15:23 Art Exhibits

18:41 Rules Summary

22:24 Thoughts

Through the Desert02 Aug 202500:22:36

This week we are going to cover the rules for Through the Desert. Through the Desert is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by John Gravato, Atha Kanaani, Damien Mammoliti, Scott Nicely, et. al.. The game is published by KOSMOS.

Through the Desert is a part of the Knizia Tile-Laying Trilogy (Samurai, Through the Desert, Tigris and Euphrates).

About Through the Desert

Using camels to make caravan routes through the desert and try to reach the oasis while cutting off other players' access, because no one wants to share their resources.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Setup

03:40 Objective / Playing the Game

07:29 Game End / Final Scoring

08:42 Tips & Reminders

10:12 Through the Desert: Bazaar

15:00 MCG Thoughts

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